God said, “This is the sign of my covenant I am making between me and you and everything living around you and everyone living after you.

I’m putting my rainbow in the clouds, a sign of the covenant between me and the Earth.

From now on, when I form a cloud over the Earth and the rainbow appears in the cloud, I’ll remember my covenant between me and you and everything living.”

(Genesis 9:12-15, The Message)

We heard the rain coming through the flash of lightning and clap of thunder, so while the dark clouds gathered, Jim Day and I wheeled the grill—loaded with healthful foods—under the church awning. Most folks had arrived for our Healthy Foods BBQ event before the downpour; and they were inside preparing for the banquet!

The music played over the sound system; and the families had gathered around the tables ready with a bountiful feast. As the drink was poured, it also poured outside. We were dry and in air-conditioned comfort on this hot, stormy Friday evening in July.

We were many gender identities, sexual orientations, ethnicities, ages, and abilities, with assorted religious experiences prior to arriving at Imago Dei MCC.

The Holy Spirit is so lively and alive among and within the people this church.

Recipes swapped, tattoos exposed, and lives shared intentionally as a people who follow the way of Jesus. To look upon this mix you’d see unlikely people sharing hugs and stories all made possible because of our common bonds.

I couldn’t help myself but shout above the voices, “A Rainbow!”

Several of us stood out in the parking lot looking out over the field to see where the rainbow began on the left of the parking lot, arched into the sky over the field, and landed on the right side of the road. The colors were prominent and vibrant, reflecting upon itself to create a mirror image pointing to the sky.

As cell phones and other cameras clicked away, the colors became brighter and brighter. Those of us outside felt what was left of the soft cascade of rain, while others viewed from the windows this gift of God.

Conversations began to pick up again as we lingered under the promise with occasional pause to click a few more pictures and meditate upon the meaning of this beautiful gift.

When God gave the promise to the people, they had just endured hardship having made their way through one heck of a storm; and they were about to set-up home.

The people of Imago Dei MCC have endured various forms of hardship, too. Are we about to set-up home?

Where is God pointing us to by way of identity, vision, mission, values, ministry, and location? These questions may require for us to enter into intentional time of discernment and reflection. How come? For this, I am confident; the rainbow is portending of what may be ahead for a people who live the promise.

Friday night - followed by a most inspiring Sunday worship - showed me a people living the promise. The glimpse of what can be was most evident by any observer of the over fifty folks who gathered for either or both occasions.

Thanks be to God; and may the people - the reader of this story - say AMEN!